Types of Physical Science Experiments

Physical science experiments range from simple to complex ones. Even the young children perform elementary experiments so as to learn about the world.

An experiment is a systematic trial and error process done with the aim of falsifying, verifying or establishing the soundness of a theory. Experiments differ significantly in their goal and scale, but always depend on repeatable method and rational analysis of the results.

A child can carry out fundamental experiments to comprehend the nature of gravity, whereas teams of scientists may take quit sometime of methodical investigation to advance the understanding of a phenomenon.

Majority of the physical science experimental labs are different from those used in biological or chemistry laboratories in structure and constituents.

An experiment therefore is a technique of testing with the objective of explaining the nature of reality. Experiments can be personal or informal. One can test chocolates to find the favorite one. Also, scientists can carry out complex experiments to find information on sub atomic particles.

Physical Science Experiments Overview

An experiment is the stair case in the scientific method that stands out between facts and fictions. Experimentation is also applied to test existing hypothesis or new theories in order to support them or refute them.

A physical science experiment can be undertaken to answer a question or investigate a problem using the scientific method. This is done in the laboratories to prove a hypothsis.

An observation is first made. Then a problem arises or a question is asked. Next, a theory is formulated. The experiment is done to test that theory. The outcome analyzed, a conclusion is made, sometimes a hypothesis is made, and results are communicated using research papers.

In the centuries that followed, significant advances and inventories were from people who practiced the scientific method in different areas.

Usually a good experiment generally tests a theory. Nevertheless, an experiment may also test previous results.

The Basics for an Experimenter Performing Physical Science Experiments

All the factors in an experiment should be known. Also, the results should be as accurate as possible. If an experiment is watchfully performed, the results generally either support or disprove the theories.

An experiment can only support a hypothesis but can never prove it. However, a theory can be disproved by a repeatable experiment that gives a counterexample. An experiment should control the likely confounding factors — any factors that would spoil the correctness or repeatability of the experiment or the skill to understand the results.

History of Physical Science Experiments

An English scientist and philosopher named Francis Bacon in the 17th century was an influential backer of experimental science. He was not satisfied with the method of answering scientific questions by deduction. Bacon hunted a method that depended on repeatable observations, or experiments. He was particularly the first to arrange the scientific method as we understand it today.

Important advances were made in centuries that followed. These improvements were from people like Galileo Galilee who applied physical science experiments method in different areas.